The Sacramento Kings remain firmly in the mix for Russell Westbrook, but their approach is tied closely to the status of Jonathan Kuminga trade talks.
According to The Athletic, Sacramento has prioritized the Golden State forward throughout the offseason, holding back on other smaller moves to see whether a deal could materialize. The report added that the Kings’ chances of signing Westbrook increase if they are fully out on Kuminga, though they would still need to clear backcourt minutes before finalizing an agreement.
Westbrook became an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games last season, while adding 11.7 points during Denver’s playoff run.
Sacramento’s interest in the former MVP has been steady. Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that the Kings have explored scenarios to add him without including Malik Monk in trade discussions. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report also noted that Sacramento is the only team currently positioned as a potential landing spot.
The Kings’ backcourt has already seen significant change since trading De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in February. Dennis Schroder was acquired to stabilize the point guard rotation, while the front office pursued Tyus Jones before he joined Orlando.
Even with those moves, Sacramento views Westbrook as a valuable option to lead second units. His ability to create offense and inject energy remains attractive, especially alongside veterans Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
Meanwhile, Monk’s name has surfaced in trade talks. Dallas Hoops Journal reported that he was offered in packages for Kuminga and linked to earlier sign-and-trade proposals in Detroit. Despite those discussions, Stein has clarified that the organization does not plan to part with him in order to sign Westbrook.
Monk is coming off a career-best season, averaging 17.2 points and finishing as runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year. The 27-year-old is locked into a three-year, $60.6 million contract, giving Sacramento a reliable scoring punch off the bench.
With new general manager Scott Perry reshaping the roster, the Kings’ path forward depends on how Kuminga talks unfold. If Sacramento fully shifts away from that pursuit, the door for Westbrook’s arrival could open wider.
